Shop-Made Router Edge Guide

I've been using my hand-held router a lot lately. For one project, I had to
rout some stopped dadoes. With this kind of cut (or when you have to rout any
groove or profile near the edge of a piece) an edge guide is almost a
necessity. And although most router manufacturers offer an edge guide as an
accessory, it's really no trouble at all to build your own. As you can see in
the photo, it's just a replacement base made of hardboard with an adjustable
hardwood fence.

Base

Start by cutting the base of the edge guide from a piece of hardboard. Its
size isn't all that important. You just want it big enough to give solid
support, but not so big as to be cumbersome, see the drawing at right. (I
made my base 6" × 12".)

In the center of the base, you'll need clearance for the router bit. And the
larger the hole, the easier it'll be to see what you're routing. (I drilled a
1-¼" dia. hole with a spade bit.)

Finally, cut two slots for the fence. These let you easily adjust the fence
to the proper distance from the router bit.

Fence

When making the fence, you want a straight, smooth edge to slide against the
workpiece. I made my fence from hard maple, and I check it often to make sure
it hasn't warped. To attach the fence to the base, I just used carriage
bolts, washers, and wing nuts, see the drawing at right.

To use the jig, lock the fence in position and set it against the workpiece.
(One end will need to be tipped so the bit isn't touching the wood.) Keep a
firm grip on the router when turning it on. Then slowly lower the bit into
the wood and push the router from left to right. Note: If you need to make a
dado or groove that's deeper than ¼", rout it in several passes.